Book Review: SF20: The Art of Street Fighter
SF20: The Art of Street Fighter is actually a translated edition of the Japanese art book ストリートファイターアートワークス 覇, which I reviewed few months ago. It's really great that Capcom (or Udon Entertainment) has decided to translate it and pushed it out so fast. Since the content didn't change, I'll just reuse my review for the Japanese edition here, with a few updates.
SF20 is a 20th anniversary tribute art book to Street Fighter, which was actually released in 1987. This is a pretty thick 320-page paperback. It doesn't come with a dust jacket like the Japanese edition. On the non-glossy pages are printed with over 1500 illustrations, paintings and sketches. The spine is a bit inflexible for a book this thick and will definitely have wrinkles if you open the pages too wide.
The illustrations are divided into chapters by artists, namely:
- あきまん (Akiman) | blog
- 西村キヌ (Kinu Nishimura)
- CRMK
- イケノ (Daigo Ikeno)
- 大ちゃん (Daichan)
- えだやん (Edayan)
- 森気楼 (Shinkiro)
Akiman is the designer for the classic Street Fighter characters. Daigo Ikeno is the art director and character designer for Street Fighter IV. The last chapter is a collection of work from other artists.
Since this is a character based game, you'll see a lot of character designs. They are a mixture in sizes from small portraits to the full page group splash art. Most are full colored illustrations in myriad manga styles. There are captions for everything and several artists interviews.
Work comes from all the various different versions of Street Fighter, including spin-offs like Super Puzzle Fighter II, or even some SNK-vs-CAPCOM illustrations — rivalry between King of Fighters and Street Fighter is strong and burning. Included also are the latest Street Fighter IV character profile designs used in the game.
The art here spans over an impressive 20 years, I'm very sure there will be more to come. This satisfying thick compilation is recommended to all Street Fighter fans and collectors.
If you have bought Street Fighter Tribute and Udon's Art of Capcom and like them, I'm very sure you'll like this book as well.
-
SF20: The Art of Street Fighter is available at Amazon (US | CA | UK | DE | FR | IT | JP | CN)
-
Since the content is the same, I've used the pictures from the Japanese edition.
Visit Amazon to check out more reviews.
If you buy from the links, I get a little commission that helps me get more books to feature.
Places to get SF20: The Art of Street Fighter:
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.de | Amazon.fr | Amazon.it | Amazon.co.jp | Amazon.cn
Comments
wow I just found this site
wow I just found this site via Twitter. Keep up the great work!!!
Just want to ask, personally
Just want to ask, personally will you recommend the english or japanese edition?
@Anonymous Just go for the
@Anonymous
Just go for the version you can read, English (?). The slightly inflexible spine is a minor issue.
whose drawing is that
whose drawing is that spinning-bird-kicking Chun Li? I've been looking for that artwork till now.
@Ron Akiman
@Ron
Akiman
thanks for putting together
thanks for putting together such an awesome site. i followed you here from your amazon reviews, and i love it.
i've got a co-worker i'm trying to buy a christmas gift for. he LOVES street fighter, and i'm trying to decide which he would prefer between this and the street fighter tribute book. i know the other book is marked as a favorite for you, but what do you think makes that book better? what're the differences between the two?
any answer you could provide would be helpful. i've been searching for WEEKS for the perfect present for him, and i think this might be it. :)
@cristina Art from SF20 are
In reply to thanks for putting together by cristina (not verified)
@cristina
Art from SF20 are from the original Street Fighter artists. Art from Street Fighter Tribute are from fans. That book looks more fun.
Street fighter is one of the
Street fighter is one of the favorite game of mine and I have been playing it from the time when I used to play on my 8 bit video game. I would prefer the English version and love to read this book.
Great job.
Just got this book in the
Just got this book in the mail and it is amazing, would have never known about it if it wasnt for this site. I found this site via amazon and its great, keep it up. I look forward to purchasing many more of these books in the future.
Hi, is it worth to get this
Hi, is it worth to get this book if I have Capcom Design Works? thanks
@Marc If you're a Street
In reply to Hi, is it worth to get this by Marc (not verified)
@Marc
If you're a Street Fighter fan, then this book is recommended. It's 320 pages, all on Street Fighter. Capcom Design Works is a mixture of all the Capcom art.
This book might be hard to find since it's out of stock at the moment. If you don't mind, you might want to get the original Japanese edition ストリートファイターアートワークス 覇 (Street Fighter Art Works) which is still in stock. The binding for the Japanese edition is much better. Shipping might be more expensive though.
Hi Parka, Do you know
Hi Parka,
Do you know anywhere I could buy SF20 for a cheaper price? I really want this book but I dont think I'd be willing to shell out $70 on it :S
@Anonymous You might want to
In reply to Hi Parka, Do you know by Anonymous (not verified)
@Anonymous
You might want to wait for a reprint.
Add new comment